25 Things to do in Tunis: Ultimate Guide

Things to do in Tunis Reading Time: 50 minutes

Tunis is one of my favorite capital cities in the world. While it is not a very famous capital city, there are still a ton of things to do in Tunis. Tunis is also a very affordable city, so it is easy to get around and visit places like the Bardo Museum with the best collection of mosaics in the world, the bustling medina and all its beautiful items for sale, and try local foods like kafteji, lablebi, and makroudh. There are also many free things to do in Tunis, like walking around the seaside neighborhoods of Sidi Bou Said, La Goulette, and La Marsa.

I spent one month in Tunis (February 2024), exploring the city one place, one couscous, and one beach at a time. Before I came to Tunis, I had no idea what to expect. But as soon as I arrived, I fell in love. I felt an immediate connection with this North African country and I know I’ll be back again and again.

While the title of this article is “25 Things to do in Tunis,” I have actually included much more than that. I have not only included the best things to do in Tunis, but also the best places to stay, Tunisian food to try, how to get around town, and so much more. So whether you’re coming for just a weekend in Tunis or two weeks, this ultimate Tunis guide will be your best companion. Don’t forget to add the capital of Tunis to your Tunisia itinerary.

This Tunis Complete Guide is divided into categories by neighborhood. Within each neighborhood, I have listed the things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.

Read More: 21 Things to Know Before Visiting Tunisia

Why Should I Visit Tunis?

If you’re planning a trip to Tunisia, you absolutely need to add a stop in the capital of Tunis. Beyond Star Wars filming locations in the south, there may not be a lot of famous places in Tunisia. But that does not mean you shouldn’t make a stop in Tunis. This capital city has so much variety.

Because of its proximity to Europe, Italy in particular, Tunis is heavily influenced by its fashion, architecture, dining, etc. while still maintaining its traditional culture. Tunisians pride themselves on being more progressive and less strict than their counterparts in other North African countries. This is very apparent in Tunis.

You can enjoy a beer on a patio overlooking the sea, or spend a day in your bikini getting a tan at the beach. During Ramadan, more cafes and restaurants stayed open than in other parts of the country. I found people in Tunis to be very open, kind, and honest. While I made my best attempt at speaking French with people, I also found many people in Tunis who spoke several other languages well including English, German, and Russian.

Tunisia Tips at a Glance

Official Languages: Arabic & French
Lots of people smoke, including restaurants and bars inside
Tunisians love spicy food
Cash is king, few places accept credit cards
Carry tissue with you, lots of places don’t have toilet paper
Get a local SIM card at the airport

Where is Tunis Located?

Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, is located along the southern Mediterranean Coast, in the Gulf of Tunis, slightly north of the Nabeul Peninsula. Tunisia has 24 governates (states), and Tunis is in the governate of the same name, in the northeast of the country. Tunisia is a small country that sits between Algeria to the west, and Libya to the east. Tunis is just 229 miles from the Italian island of Sicily.

Best Times to Visit Tunis

The best time to visit Tunis is in the spring or fall when the weather is not super hot, or cold. January and February are known to be cold and rainy months. However, when I was in Tunis in February, we only experienced 2 or 3 rainstorms. We had several sunny days where we didn’t even need a jacket, though evenings and nights required heavier outerwear. It never reached temperatures lower than 6C/43F in winter. June through September are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching highs of 35C/95F. When I returned to Tunis in April, the spring weather was perfect.

Ramadan in Tunis

One thing to keep in mind is Ramadan. Tunisia is a Muslim country that holds Ramadan in high regard. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours. This means that many restaurants and street vendors will be closed. However, as soon as the sun goes down, the Iftar party starts. Sharing a meal once the sun goes down is a big social event. This is a good time to go out at night in Tunis.

That said, Tunis is less strict than the rest of the country when it comes to Ramadan. You will find more cafes and restaurants open in the day during Ramadan than in other Tunisian cities. Not everyone in Tunis observes Ramadan. Ramadan is based on the Lunar calendar, so the dates change each year. Keep this in mind if you plan to travel to Tunisia (or any Muslim-majority country).

How Many Days Should You Spend in Tunis?

I think the number of days you spend in Tunis depends on how much time you have, what your interests are, and if you like long full days or slow-moving days. If you want to see the most important attractions in Tunis, then I would suggest 3-5 days. You can easily visit the city center and the Medina in one day. The Carthage site is so sprawling that it needs a full day (unless you don’t visit each site). You can spend another day visiting the beachside neighborhoods of Sidi Bou Said, La Goulette, and La Marsa. But don’t forget about the Bardo Museum as well!

Going to Tunisia soon? Get Ready at a glance:

Get travel medical insurance with SafeyWing.
Book your stay with Booking.com.
Check Flights with Skyscanner or Hopper.
Rent a car with RentalCars.com.
Download the Airalo app and get a Tunisian eSIM.
Take a tour with GetYourGuide or Viator.
Have a 1:1 consultation with me in advance!

Things to Do in Tunis Tunisia

There are many beautiful places in Tunisia, but Tunis deserves your time and attention. There are many activities to do in Tunis including shopping at the Medina and souk, admiring incredible Carthaginian and Roman mosaics, and strolling beachside villages that make you feel like you’re in Greece.

Centre Ville

Centre Ville is the town center of Tunis, where all the action happens. It is divided into two main areas: Ville Nouvelle and the Medina (historic city center). If you want to do some shopping in Tunis, this is the area to do it. It is easy to see several things in one day in these areas, as they are all very close. If you have just one day in Tunis, this is where you should spend it.

Things to do in Ville Nouvelle

Ville Nouvelle has a European feel to it. There are a ton of European stores (Stradavarius, LC Waikiki, Zara) and cafes around. There is a tram that goes through the center of town.

Stroll Down Avenue Habib Bourguiba

There is one long avenue, called Avenue Habib Bourgiba that is very reminiscent of Paris. There is a footpath in the center of the avenue lined with tall green trees. On each side of the avenue, there are a ton of cute cafes. 

Avenue Habib Bourguiba Clocktower

This is an underwhelming clock tower with a fountain on the west side. It is situated in the center of a roundabout. There are several Tunisian flags around it on the opposite side of the roundabout streets. It’s easy to see from a distance because of its height, and location at the end of the avenue.

Look up at the Cathedral of St Vincent

To be honest, it wouldn’t be hard to walk by the cathedral and not notice it much. It’s right in the city center surrounded by several other buildings. As a non-religious person, I didn’t feel any special connection to it; it felt just like any other cathedral I’ve seen in South America.

You can enter inside the cathedral for free:
Monday – Friday: 8 am – 12 noon; 3 pm – 5 pm.
Saturday: 8 am – 12 noon
Sunday: 8 am – 1 pm

Take a Photo with the I ❤️ TUNIS Sign

This sign is in a plaza across the street from the cathedral. It is old, weathered, and covered in graffiti. It could definitely use a new coat of paint. It’s fun to see but not well-kept. The plaza where it lives always seems to be surrounded by temporary fences with a big tank at the entrance. While it seems forbidden, the soldiers will allow you in to view the sign.

Things to do in the Tunis Medina

The Tunis Medina is inside the walls of the historic city center. See my Instagram reel of the Tunis Medina. There are many exciting things to do in the Tunis Medina.

Walk Through the Bab al-Bhar

The Bab al-Bahr is the old city’s big entry door. It was once connected to the full Medina wall, which is no longer completely intact. When you walk through it, it is like stepping back in time. You will enter into a plaza to find children playing in the fountain, street performers performing, shops selling traditional clothing, and men having tea in one of the many cafes.

Stroll the Alleyways of the Tunis Medina

The “medina” is the old city, and the “souk” are all the shops in the market. This is a bustling center where you can find lunch on the street or have some mint tea at a cafe. It’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of alleyways and shops but getting lost in there is all part of the fun. Saturdays are VERY crowded, and several shops are closed on Sundays. I suggest going mid-week to enjoy the experience more. On Saturday afternoons, you can barely move through the crowds. The Medina is one of the best places to visit in Tunis.

Check Out the Views From Tunis’s Rooftops

• Café Panorama
  This cafe is on the rooftop of a carpet shop. The entrance is next to a sign that says Cafe La Medina. Try putting “Basboussa Shop” into Google Maps. The entrance should be just across the alleyway. The cafe has an amazing view of the medina, and the floor and walls are covered in beautiful tiles. View my reel on Instagram about the Cafe Panorama.
• Café du Souk
  The entrance to the cafe is around the corner from Café Panorama. You’ll see a sign for Café du Souk. Enter through a long hallway that opens to a large cafe. At the back wall, you’ll find stairs. Take the stairs to the rooftop. It’s a beautiful cafe inside as well if you want to have a meal or tea.
• Ste’ Groupement Artisanal
  The entrance to this rooftop is via a government souvenir shop called “Magasin Recommande/ Recommanded Shop.” They will probably want to give you a speech about buying carpets. Go in the shop, and the stairs are to the left. Take them up to the rooftop.

Visit the Great Mosque (Ez-Zitouna Mosque)

This mosque is very beautiful from the outside and is situated right in the heart of the medina. However, it was unclear if we were allowed to go inside. You can get a great view of the mosque from Cafe Panorama.

See the Monument Place de le Kasbah

This is a large concrete monument surrounded by Tunisian flags. It is in the center of a large square. The tall monument in the center of the square is a symbol of Tunisian independence. You won’t need much time here, maybe just 10 minutes. You can find it on the northwest side of the Tunis Medina, just outside the historic walls.

Where to eat in the Tunis Medina

Dar El Jeld

We were told this was the best restaurant in all of Tunisia. It is inside a hotel. The hotel is beautiful, and right in the center of the medina, a perfect location. It also has a hammam (traditional spa). You need to make reservations a day or two in advance. They are closed on Sundays. Reservations: +216 71 560 916.

The restaurant has specific hours.
Lunch: 12 pm – 3 pm
Dinner: 7 pm – 11 pm

Random Restaurant on the Street

One of my favorite local places to eat in the center only has a name in Arabic. You can find it on Google Maps here: Q5XG+5FW. You can get Lablebi for 5 TND, or a chicken plate with salad for 8 TND. It is just a half block from Cafeteria Ben Yedder. It looks like this:

Small restaurants inside the Medina

There are several small restaurants inside the Medina where you can try local foods such as chevrette, mlawi, chapati, and maghloub, etc. These will have the most affordable prices, for around 6-8 TND per item.

Where to stay in the Tunis Medina

This is the best area to stay in Tunis for sightseeing.

Dar Ben Gacem Kahia

This hotel is in a traditional Tunisian home with a central courtyard and a rooftop terrace. Rooms are clean and modern. Breakfast is included. Beautiful design.

Stay in this traditional Tunisian home. BOOK HERE.

Dar El Jeld Hotel and Spa

This beautiful hotel has a garden, spa, terrace, bar and a restaurant. We were told that this is the best restaurant in all of Tunisia. It is located in a calm and peaceful part of the Medina.

Check availability for the best hotel in Tunis Medina. BOOK HERE

Auberge El Medina

This youth hostel is near the Tunis Medina. It is inside a traditional Tunisian home with beautiful tile decorations.

Check availability for this Youth Hostel near the Tunis Medina

Nomads Hostel

This is the most affordable youth hostel option in the city. There are private rooms and mixed dorm rooms. There is a garden and two rooftop terraces. It is 3.8 kilometers from downtown, so you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the center.

Book now for the most affordable hostel in Tunis

Le Bardo

There is not much to do in this area for a tourist besides the very well-known, and very worth visiting National Museum of Bardo. 

Things to do in Le Bardo Tunis

See my Instagram reel for Le Bardo Museum.

Visit the Largest Mosaic Museum in the World

Price to enter: 13 TND (pay in cash only). The museum opens at 9:30 in the morning and closes at 4:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays. I recommend going as early as possible. We went in the morning and had the place to ourselves. Around 11 am, many people started arriving and the museum got very loud.

The Bardo Museum is the largest collection of Carthaginian and Roman mosaics in the world. It is several stories high, with tons of small side rooms. Expect to spend 2-3 hours here. There are several mosaics recovered from the site of Carthage here, covering walls and the floor. There are also many statues and informational boards with the history of Carthage.

You can find the Cafe Andalous outside in the garden. It’s a little overpriced but beautiful. I suggest getting tea or coffee to enjoy the ambiance. This museum is beautiful and an absolute must when visiting Tunis.

La Goulette

This is a small beachside town/neighborhood just outside of the Tunis Center. There isn’t much here besides the boardwalk pathway along the water. All along the boardwalk, you can find several cafes and restaurants. You’ll see many men having tea and smoking shisha.

Things to do in La Goulette Tunis

The main things to do in the Tunis La Goulette neighborhood involve walking near the sea and eating seafood. There are not a lot of Tunis tourist attractions in this neighborhood. On Google Maps I saw there was a fort, but when I went to it, it was completely in ruins, and you could not enter it.

Stroll along the boardwalk

La Goulette is a neighborhood parallel to the coast. The best thing to do is walk along the boardwalk and admire the sea and peoplewatch.

Have a meal

The main drag of La Goulette is full of restaurants and cafes. It’s famous for seafood due to its proximity to the sea. Have a meal at one of the several restaurants here. I stopped into Cafe Miled to have a fresh OJ, pet the street cats, and stare at the sea that was just a few feet from me. Pure bliss.

Where to eat in La Goulette Tunis

La Goulette is full of well-known seafood restaurants and cafes. Here are the places where I ate, or that were suggested to me by my local friends:

• Café Miled
• Café Toulouse
• La Mer
• La Spigola
• Poisson D’argent

Where to go out at night in La Goulette

O Club La Goulette

I spent one of my best nights in Tunis here. My local friend wanted to take us out for a ‘real night in Tunis,’ something unique. He was not wrong. It’s an above-ground ‘underground’ club. They have live music very often. For example, the night I went, there was a famous Tunisian artist named Gultrah. It was like a Tunisian reggae band with lyrics in Arabic. Incredible. If you go before 10 pm, it costs 10 TND to enter ($3), but if you go after 10 pm, it costs 20 TND ($6). Lots of indoor smoking here. This was one of the best things to do in Tunis at night.

Rock n Rolla La Goulette

This is a Western-style dive bar. You can get alcoholic drinks here but expect a lot of smoke.

Where to stay in La Goulette Tunis

This is a nice place to stay in Tunis to be near the sea or to go out at night, but it is not that close to many other interesting things to do in Tunis.

Maison 4 Saison

This is a private home near the water in La Goulette. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the main drag where you can find all the restaurants and cafes. There is free wifi, parking, and a washing machine.

Book your stay in this private home along the coast.

Sidi Bou Said

Sidi Bou Said is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Tunis, and for good reason. There is one main street that meanders through the neighborhood with a few small streets off to the sides. All the buildings are white with blue doors, rooftops, and trim, just like Santorini. Along the main street, you’ll find several small shops selling essentially the same thing. There is also a small market with stalls at the start of town as you walk uphill from the train station. Visiting Sidi Bou Said is one of the more popular activities to do in Tunis.

Things to do in Sidi Bou Said Tunis

Do Stand-Up Paddle at the Beach

Lucky Boys Club is a place right on the beach that rents stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. The Sidi Bou Said Beach is near the port and at the bottom of the cliffs. A winding road connects the beach to the Greece-like buildings on top of the cliffs.

For one hour you can rent:
SUP: 30 TND
double kayak: 40 TND

Go Shopping

The main tourist activity in Sidi Bou Said is shopping. There are markets and shops all along the main road. However, you should be aware that prices are the most expensive in Sidi Bou Said than anywhere else in Tunisia. The vendors also tend to be the most aggressive and dishonest in my experience.

Where to eat in Sidi Bou Said Tunis

Because of Sidi Bou Said’s reputation and popularity among tourists, restaurant prices are elevated in this neighborhood. Here are the best restaurants to eat at in Sidi Bou Said:

• Café des Délices (great view overlooking the sea on the edge of a cliff)
• Hôtel Sidi Bou Said (have beers on the patio with an amazing view of the city)
• Dar Zarrouk (classic Tunisian dishes in the Sidi Bou Said center)

Where to stay in Sidi Bou Said Tunis

Places to stay in Sidi Bou Said tend to be more on the upscale, luxury side of things.

Maison Dedine- Small Luxury Hotel

This is a beautiful boutique hotel right on the water in Sidi Bou Said, just two minutes from the beach. This small boutique hotel is stylish and beautiful, with great decor. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Check availability for this LUXURY HOTEL in Sidi Bou Said

La Marsa

La Marsa is a seaside neighborhood of Tunis; it’s known to be one of the most expensive areas of the capital city. It’s very chill and relaxed as most beach towns go. There are great cafes, tea shops, and restaurants here. There are not a lot of ‘exciting’ things to do here but walk around and see the sea. But it is definitely worth spending at least one day. It is known to be the most “French” neighborhood in Tunis.

Things to do in La Marsa Tunis

Most things to do in the Tunis La Marsa neighborhood revolve around the water. See La Marsa in my reel on Instagram.

Soak in the Sun at La Marsa Beach

This is a great, wide beach. There are several volleyball nets set up. The waves are small, and sometimes completely inexistent as this area is like a little cove. There is a small pavement path just above the beach you can walk along, though it’s not very long. Along the main street, there is also a large path you can walk along and have a great view of the sea. You can see the Kobbet El Haoua, which used to be a bathing house for rich families in the Hussenite Dynasty, but now is an abandoned structure on the water.

Look out at the Water at the Marsa Incredible View

Here at this “incredible view,” you can stand on a cliff and look out over the sea. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of trash on the ground around this area, but if you ignore that and just look at nature, it is quite nice. There is a small path you can walk down to reach the beach. It is fairly secluded in the winter months, so it’s a great place to go if you want a little solitude. There are several large coral rocks down below on the beach that you can climb on. Some even go out into the water, so you walk out there a bit. You can easily walk from here back to La Marsa beach along the sand.

Get a Tattoo from Tunisia’s First Tattoo Shop

Tunisia’s first tattoo shop in the entire country is called Wachem, and they have a shop located in the La Marsa neighborhood of Tunis. The best time to go is during Ramadan when they offer big discounts. Because Muslims do not get tattoos during Ramadan, they offer discounts to bring in more customers. The artists there are very talented. I got a 15cm tattoo on my thigh at the Sousses location, and I’m so in love with it.

Get Beauty Treatments

Treat yourself to a mani/pedi, massage, hair removal, or a haircut. There are several hammams or spas around the city. They are often much more affordable than in Europe or the US.

If you’re looking for a mani/pedi, I got my nails done at Manificure By Mouna in La Marsa. I can honestly say that they gave me the best gel manicure I’ve ever had in my entire life. I went twice.

Prices at Manificure by Mouna

• Gel Manicure, 50 TND
• Gel Pedicure, 100 TND
• Classic Pedicure, 50 TND

Where to eat in La Marsa Tunis

The main center in La Marsa is called the SafSaf. In this area, you can find the mosque, as well as several local cafes and restaurants.

Hipster Options

• North Shore Coffee and Snacks (coffee with a sea view)
• Ivy Coffee Shop & Restaurant (best western breakfast)
• Nanoosh (in the Saf Saf, Lebanese and Syrian food)

Local Options

• Restaurant el Hana (food stand in the SafSaf)
• El SafSaf (open-air restaurant with a camel inside)
• Oueld El bey (Excellent kafteji sandwiches)
• Lablebi Chez Hattab (Great kafteji and lablebi)
• La Dokkana House (seafood with a view)

Where to go out at night in La Marsa

Le Central Sports Bar

This is a good place to grab a beer and watch sports. It’s a large, modern-looking space. Not Tunisian style. There are several TVs all around the perimeter of the bar. You can sit at the bar or one of the many high-top tables. Most of the people in here are men. I was 1 of 3 women in the entire bar that was full of men. Tunisia allows smoking indoors, so there is a cloud of smoke hanging around everywhere you look. They have several beer options and many food options too. It’s a bit far from the beach. Take a taxi to reach this destination.

Au Bon Vieux Temps

If you want to eat dinner here, you need to make a reservation in advance. We went for drinks and managed to get a table without a reservation, but we were lucky. We made a dinner reservation a few days later. Mosty Italian options. Plates tend to be on the more expensive side for Tunisia. Large beers cost 13 TND each, and a full meal was 40-50 TND. Call to make a reservation: +216 71 749 060.

Where to stay in La Marsa Tunis

When I spent one month in Tunis, I stayed in the La Marsa neighborhood. I loved it. It was so chill and calm. There are a lot of options here on Airbnb, and you’ll find several private homes for rent in this neighborhood.

Dar El Marsa Hotel & Spa

This hotel is perfectly located in the center of town. You can walk easily to the beach, the train station, or the restaurants. Many rooms have a sea view. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a wellness center. Breakfast is included.

Check availability and BOOK this hotel in the perfect location.

Dar Corniche La Marsa (Adults Only)

This is the perfect location for a relaxing beach vacation. It is away from the center of La Marsa, but easily walkable to both La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said. Rooms are clean and modern with a sea view. There is a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace. Breakfast is included.

BOOK NOW for this beautiful seaside hotel in La Marsa

Carthage

The sites of Carthage are spread out over several kilometers, within pockets of the city. The history of Tunis starts here at Carthage. It is the site of the old Carthaginian Empire before the Romans attacked and defeated them. There is very little information posted at each of these historical sites.

Carthage is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but honestly, they have not done a great job at preserving the site. It is perfectly acceptable for anyone to climb on top of and over anything here.

The Carthage Ticket

The ticket costs 12 TND (4 USD) and includes these sites:

• -Amphitheatre
• -Villas Romaines
• -Theatre Romain
• -Musee Paleochretien
• -Musee de Carthage (closed until 2027)
• -Tophet de Salambo
• -Thermes d’Antonin
• -Quartier Magon

You can purchase the ticket at the first spot you visit within the Carthage site. After that, they will cross each site off on the ticket as you enter. Some of the sites are better than others. At a glance, the two that are most worth your time are Theatre Romain and Thermes d’Antonin.

Things to do in Carthage Tunisia

I have listed the sites in order if you start in the north, and go south.

The Roman Amphitheater

The Roman Amphitheater is a 20-minute walk from the Roman Theatre. It is an open space with a short perimeter wall still intact. Inside the perimeter wall, you can find a couple of tunnels and one room that was locked when we went. You only need to spend 10-15 minutes here. If you’re short on time, you can skip this one.

Roman Theatre of Carthage

This is one of the best sites included in the Carthage ticket. The Roman Theatre (not to be confused with the Roman Amphitheater), still has very intact stairs and seating rows. You can see that some parts are original and other parts have been renovated. There are bathrooms at this site. You need about 15-20 minutes to see this site. Make sure to climb up to the top of the stairs to get a great view looking down.

Le Quartier des Villas Romaines

The Roman Villas are near to the Roman Theatre. This is a large space that is spread out. There is not a lot of information to be found here. The time spent here depends on how long you want to wander around the grounds and how far you go. We stayed for about 15 minutes. They are doing some renovations on a few of the buildings. But for the most part, they are just ruins and there are no complete buildings left.

Baths of Antoninus

This is one of the best sites on the Carthage ticket. It’s well worth the visit. This was once a large construction that included baths, a gym, social areas, etc. Many of the structures still have some form and give you an idea of what it used to look like. It was surprising how you can climb on top of everything here. There are very few preservation considerations.

You can find a few informational boards around the edges of the site that offer a few details. You can find bathrooms and a cafe here. Expect to spend the most amount of time here. Between 30-60 minutes.

Quartier Magon

There was no information explaining this place in English. It is a big square covered in grass, with a few foundations in the ground of the previous homes. There isn’t much to see honestly. Skip this site if you don’t have a lot of time. You only need to spend 5-10 minutes here. There are no bathrooms here.

Musée Paléochrétien

There isn’t much to see here. It’s a very small museum with a few pots, coins, and mosaics. If you plan on going to the Bardo Museum, you can skip this museum. If you’re in a hurry or not in the mood, don’t bother coming here. It’s nothing special.

Punic Ports of Carthage

This is not included on the ticket because it is in the open, just next to the sea. If you are walking to all of the sites, you’ll easily pass by here. It is a circular waterway with a few boats.

Salammbo Tophet

You only need 10-15 minutes here. There are no bathrooms. It is a square plot with trees, grass and what looks like several headstones. The theory is that children were sacrificed here by the Carthaginians. However, this theory was passed on only by non-Carthaginians, so it is also believed that it could be a lie in order to demonize the Carthaginians. You can skip this site if you don’t have time or you’re not in the mood.

Try Tunisian Cuisine

Tunisia has some very interesting and unique flavors. You can try so many Tunisian street food items for very affordable prices. Here are some of the best Tunisian foods to try:

• Fricassé
• Brik
• Kafteji
• Kafteji sandwich
• Lablebi
• Lablebi sandwich
• Chevrette
• Salade Mechouia
• Couscous
• Mlawi
• Bambaloni
• Makroudh

Tunis Excursions: Organized Tours

Travel in Tunisia can feel overwhelming at first if you are traveling solo, or don’t speak the local language. You need to figure out where the metro, louage or train station is, how much things cost, etc. If you don’t feel like putting your energy into that, a great way to see the country is through organized tours. Both GetYourGuide and Viator have great options to choose from.

Carthage, Sidi Bousaid & Medina Tunis with Tunisian lunch

This 8-hour tour around Tunis includes lunch, Carthage entry ticket, transportation, and a guide. You will spend one hour at the Carthage site, 2 hours in the seaside Santorini-esque neighborhood of Sidi Bou Said, and 3 hours strolling through the Tunis medina. It’s a great way to get to know the city if you are in Tunis for a short time.

Carthage: Guided Bike Tour of the Archaeological Site

This is a 3-hour tour through the archaeological site of Carthage where you’ll see historical theatres, ruins, baths, and great sea views. The Carthage site is very spread out and you’ll spend a lot of time walking between sites, which is why this bike tour makes so much sense. The price includes the entry ticket and a bilingual guide. You’ll meet your guide at the Tophet de Salambo site, which is near a TGM station.

Day Trips from Tunis

If organized tours are not your thing, you can always venture out on your own. Here are some great day trips that you can do from Tunis.

Hergla

Hergla is 1.5 hours south of Tunis, and 30 minutes north of Sousse. You can reach Hergla via a louage from the Station Louage Moncef Bey in Tunis. Hergla is a small fishing village along the Mediterranean coastline, in the Gulf of Hammamet.

Read more: What to See in Hergla: Simple Sousse Day Trip

Amphitheatre El Jem

El Jem is a Roman Amphitheatre still in relatively good shape. The entire front is still intact. You can climb to the third floor and look down on the center oval stage. You can also go underground in the tunnels beneath the oval stage. The cost to enter is 12 TND.

You can take the train from Tunis to El Jem, as it is on the line as the Tunis-Metlaoui line. You can check the schedule here, but there are usually 4 departure times per day: 6:05 am, 9:50 am, 1:05 pm, and 9:15pm. It takes just over 3 hours to reach El Jem from Tunis. I suggest taking the earliest train so you have plenty of time to see the Roman Amphitheatre and make the return trip back to Tunis. There is not much else to see in the town of El Jem, so I don’t suggest staying the night.

You can also take a louage between Tunis and El Jem from the Station Louage Moncef Bey. The louages start early and leave as soon as they are full.

Sousse

Sousse is the third largest city in Tunis. It lies about 2.5-3 hours south of Tunis along the coastline. It really deserves more than one day, but if you only have one day, it’s still worth it. You can see quite a bit in just one day. The main tourist attractions are inside the Sousse Medina. You take a train or a louage between Tunis and Sousse.

Read More: 21 Things to do in Sousse

Hammamet

Hammamet is located along the Mediterranean Coast one hour north of Sousse, and 50 minutes south of Tunis. You can take the louage from the Station Louage Moncef Bey in Tunis to the louage station in Hammamet. It is one of the more well-known beach destinations in Tunisia, particularly for Italians and French tourists.

Read More: 20 Things to Do in Hammamet

Takrouna

Takrouna is a small inland town, about 1.5 hours south of Tunis. It is an abandoned Berber village that was built into a rock. First, you need to take the louage to Enfidha. From there, you can take a taxi to Takrouna.

Getting to Tunis

If you’re entering Tunisia for the first time, you most likely will be arriving at the Tunis-Carthage International Airport, making Tunis an obvious first stop. However, there are a few other ways to move around the country including trains and louages.

Flying to Tunis

The main airport in Tunis is the Tunis-Carthage International Airport. While Tunisia is a small country, there are several other airports including the Monastir Habib Bourguiba International Airport, Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport, and the Djerba–Zarzis international Airport, etc. If you don’t have a lot of time to travel overland in Tunisia, you can always opt to fly. Flights are short as the distance inside the country is small.

Check Skyscanner for flights inside Tunisia.

Tunis Airport to City Center

The Tunis-Carthage International Airport is in the center of the city, making it fairly simple to reach your Tunis accommodation. You can take a taxi or a Bolt. The taxi drivers who approach you inside the airport will provide very high prices, usually between 45-60 TND (15-20 USD). Say no thank you.

If you walk out of the exit and go straight to the roundabout at the front of the airport, you’ll see many yellow taxis waiting there. Take one of these taxis as they are more likely to use their meter. You can also specifically ask them to use the meter.

If you don’t want to bother with sorting out prices when you first arrive, the best bet is to use Bolt. It is a ride-sharing app like Uber. With Bolt, the price will be obvious for both parties to see so you can avoid a potential argument. Bolts tend to be slightly more expensive than the meter but at least it’s one less thing to worry about. For example, we took a Bolt from the airport to La Marsa for 20 TND (7 USD). Later when I felt more comfortable taking yellow taxis, I found the same trip was about 13-15 TND (4-5 USD).

Train

The train between Tunis and Sousse takes 2.5 hours. More than likely, the train will arrive late. Our train arrived one hour late, and I have heard from several people that this is common. We took the 9:50 am train and bought our ticket at 9 am on the same day. There were several seats available, so buying the ticket on the same day didn’t seem to be an issue. Click here to see the train schedule between Tunis and Sousse (Metlaoui is the very last stop on the train line). There are several stops on this line.

First-class tickets between Tunis and Sousse cost 10.400 TND (3.40 USD) and second-class cost 7.200 TND (2.40 USD). For 1 USD more, it’s worth the class upgrade. But you shouldn’t expect too much. The trains are dirty and have broken pieces swaying with the movement of the train. Men smoke between cars which brings in the smells to the rest of the train.

Train Station in Tunis: Gare de Tunis (also called Gare Barcelone)
Train Station in Sousse: Gare de Sousse

Louage

A louage is a common form of transportation around Tunisia. It is a van that leaves for its destination only once full. The louage is a bit faster and a bit more reliable than the train. Many Tunisians suggested taking the louage instead of the train. The cost between Tunis and Sousse is 12 TND.

Louage Station Locations

Tunis: Station Louage Moncef Bey
Sousse: Station Louage de Sousse

Read More: How to Take a Louage in Tunisia

How to Get Around Tunis

Use a taxi or Bolt

You can flag a yellow taxi, or use the Bolt app (like Uber). Bolt drivers are taxi drivers, but it can be easy if you need to get picked up at a specific place and/or dropped off at a specific place. Bolts tend to be slightly more expensive than the meter, but not by much. It’s a great option and one that I used a lot. If you don’t want to use a Bolt, insist that the driver use the meter. Keep your eye on it during the trip.

The Bolt cost between my Airbnb in the La Marsa neighborhood and downtown was usually between 20-24 TND (7-8 USD). In a regular yellow taxi using the meter, it was about 15 TND (5 USD).

For the most part, taxi drivers will automatically turn on the meter and charge you the real price. In areas that are a bit more touristy, taxi drivers will tell you a price several times more expensive than it should be and pretend their meter is broken. Insist on the meter, or go to the next taxi.

Walk

Tunis is a walkable city in certain parts. You can easily walk around Centre Ville and see everything in that area. However, it would be impossible to walk from Centre Ville to La Marsa, for example.

It is easier to walk more if you’re staying in the eastern neighborhoods along the coast. I walked several times between La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said, for example. You could also walk between Carthage and La Goulette.

Metro

Six metro lines pass through the center of town. While they are called a ‘metro,’ they are more like a light rail system, as they are above ground. The payment system is a bit unclear to ride the metro. I never saw a ticket counter. The cars also get super packed, so make sure you have a hold of your belongings. I had my phone out on the platform and someone told me to be careful or it would get stolen. I’ve heard that someone comes around to check tickets every once in a while, but I never saw that happen. If you get caught without a ticket, the fee is 20 TND (7 USD).

Train (TGM)

The TGM train line runs between Centre Ville and La Marsa, making several stops including Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, and La Goulette. It’s important to note that the TGM is currently under construction between the stops of Khereddine and Le Casino. This means that you’ll have to get off at that stop, walk to the next station, and get back on to continue your journey. From end to end, the journey takes about 40 minutes.

La Marsa Station: Station TGM “La Marsa”
Tunis Nord Station: Terminus métro tgm ligne sud

There are ticket offices at every station where you can purchase a ticket. Depending on where you’re going, a ticket costs between 500-800 millimes (0.15-0.25 USD). Tell the officer at the ticket booth your final destination and he’ll tell you the price. If you don’t speak French or Arabic, just give him 1 dinar and you should be fine. He’ll give you back the correct change.

Cost of Living in Tunis

La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said are the more expensive neighborhoods of Tunis, so you can expect rental prices there to be higher than in other areas. The Ariana and La Soukra neighborhoods will be more affordable.

Tunisian food is very affordable. You can eat a meal at a local restaurant for less than 10 TND (3 USD). However, if you go to more touristic restaurants, you can expect to pay in the 40-60 TND (15-20 USD) range.

Transportation is very affordable. The TGM train is less than 1 TND (0.30 USD), and taxis across the city will be 20 TND (7 USD) or less.

Is Tunis safe?

Overall, Tunis feels like a very safe city. But I also realize that the idea of safety is subjective, and has a lot to do with where you come from and what you’re comfortable with.  The biggest thing to worry about would be phone theft. If you’re in La Marsa or Sidi Bou Said, you probably have less to worry about as there is a smaller concentration of people in one place. But if you’re in the city center, or in the train/metro, you should be more cautious.

Don’t keep your phone in your pants pocket, front or back, unless you have a hand on it at all times. I suggest putting your phone in your bum bag or backpack if you’re wearing it on the front. If you’re wearing long sleeves, you can also hold it in your hand inside the sleeve. Thieves are adept at grabbing that phone out of your pocket without you even realizing it, so just make sure you’ve got a hand on it at all times in busy areas.

When it comes to taxis, you will be safe, but you should insist they use the meter. Keep your eye on both the meter and the map to make sure you’re not being charged extra.

Things to do in Tunis Final Thoughts

Tunis made a big impact on me right away. It’s a beautiful capital city, the people are mostly honest and kind, and it’s a great place to spend a few days or even a few weeks. I hope that you will fall in love with this city as much as I did. I also hope this Tunis guide was helpful for you to learn about and see the city confidently.

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